Tadley family among cyclists who boosted medical funds

Cash earmarked for ultrasound equipment to save babies' lives

A TADLEY family were among cyclists taking part in a recent charity ride to boost funds towards hi-tech ultrasound equipment set to save babies’ lives at hospitals in North Hampshire.

The Cycle Sportive event saw just under 200 cyclists riding through Hampshire countryside, and raised just over £4,000 for the North Hampshire Medical Fund.

“The incredible amount of money raised will go towards three obstetric ultrasound machines for Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover Hospitals,” said Molly Hawkins, a spokeswoman for the charity.

“These new state-of-the-art 3D scanners will transform the details of the viewed image.

“Having this incredible machine could save up to 100 babies’ lives per year.”

Among the cyclists were Nikki Jones, from Tadley, and her children, and their friends from Cheam School, Headley.

Mrs Jones said: “We did the 15-mile route which was great fun for children, all easily signposted on very quiet safe roads through beautiful Hampshire countryside. It was a great family event with medals, hot dogs and drinks on the finish line.

“We’ll definitely be there next year.”

Chairman of the North Hampshire Medical Fund, William Magill, who is also from Tadley, said that the charity’s first Cycle Sportive fundraiser had proved to be a “massive success”.

He said: “We have reserved the date for September 24 next year so we can build on these great foundations.

“It will be bigger, better and raise even more.

“The North Hampshire Medical Fund has raised millions of pounds since its foundation 35 years ago and most of the departments within the [Basingstoke and North Hampshire] hospital have benefited from specialist equipment supplied by us.”

The cyclists enjoyed fine weather, with a choice of three routes – 15, 40 or 80 miles.

The shortest route took in Tadley, Baughurst and Wolverton Common, the longer route included Ecchinswell, Highclere, Hurstbourne Tarrant and Faccombe and the longest extended to Aldbourne and Marlborough.